I am a social worker working with a mum and her three young children, who have child protection plans because of a history of domestic violence and alcohol abuse. The mother is co-operating but I'm worried she is just complying. How can I be more confident she is working with me?
Colin Green: Think about how things look from the mother's perspective and appreciate the understandable ambivalence most parents have about a statutory intervention. The mother may have legitimate anxieties about whether her children may be removed.
The key to confidence in the parent's response is the depth of the relationship you develop with that parent and the children. Direct work with the children is vital to understanding whether compliance with the child protection plan is helping make their lives safer and better. It is also important to address the issues that matter to the parent, whatever they are. This can include emotional support and practical help with issues like housing, finances, and access to activities.
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